[TowerTalk] Tower Base Technology

[Mike Foerster]

Guys,

I'm new to the group, got a reference to ask the TowerTalk bunch my
question.

I just purchased a used (6 year old) 48ft Rohn HDBX 48, TH11DX and
Tailtwister rotor.  Had to take it down and it was in dire need of some boom
to mast repairs.  I've got that taken care of.

Now for the question.  The mfg. specs call for a big block of concrete
buried in the ground.  Brute force style.

Has anyone done any engineering using some technology to help to keep the
tower erect safely, other than just the big block?

    *Something like digging post holes in the bottom 4 corners of a bit
smaller pit and putting in some re-bar and then pouring concrete

    *Or perhaps a "+" shaped hole to use more of the dirt/clay to press
against vs the big block effect.

    *Is one shape (square, round, tall, short,tapered, etc.) better than the
others?

    *Differences in the ground makeup (sand, clay, rock)?


This (Rohn) tower technology is about 20 years old  (as is the book that
tells me how much concrete is required).  There has to be a better way

I know about following the mfg. specs, liability, warnings about twist, etc.

    I'm just asking...

Mike





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